CHAPTER 21

JULIA

Christmas Eve - The Ceremony

The bridal suite is a hive of activity, each bridesmaid scrambling to finish their looks, but Penny is calm amidst the whirlwind. Her fingers tremble as she adjusts her veil in the mirror.

"Everything ready, Jules?"

I nod, clutching the clipboard that's become my constant companion. "Flowers are in place, cake's at the reception, and yes, the groom is here." I smirk, lightening the mood. "Not that I checked or anything."

Penny laughs softly, and her happiness radiates like sunlight breaking through clouds. "Julia, you've been my rock through all of this. You know that, right?"

Forcing a smile, I wave her off with one hand, but her words resonate. This isn't just another event—it's Penny's wedding. The responsibility of orchestrating this day, sits heavy on my chest, and I secretly hope we've made all the right decisions to make it as special as she truly is.

A knock interrupts us, and I turn to see Kyle. He's breathtaking in his charcoal suit, that chiselled jawline stubble, and clean lines emphasizing his broad shoulders. His sombre eyes flicker toward Penny.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" he asks.

Penny nods, and I step toward the door, giving them space. My hand lingers on the frame as I pull it closed behind me, leaving it slightly ajar. A little curiosity never hurt anyone, right?

Fragments of their conversation slip through. "Penny, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. For the way things ended between us. You deserved better than that."

"You don't owe me an apology," she replies, gently but then her voice switches, more assertive. "We were never meant to be, Kyle. And honestly, I'm glad we figured that out when we did. That you had the courage to do what I couldn't. If you hadn't, I'm not sure where I'd be right now. But you did, and now I'm about to marry the love of my life. It should be me that's thanking you."

A long pause follows her words. Even from the hallway, the heaviness is almost tangible, and I wish I could see what's going on. Penny speaks again, sympathetic.

"Kyle, you're a good man. You just weren't my man." Her tone picks up, promising. "But maybe you're someone else's."

My breath catches, grabbing at the edge of the doorframe. Is she talking about me? My heart beats faster at the suggestion.

Kyle catches me briefly as he exits, pausing for only a second before brushing past. Raw, unguarded, his expression leaves my stomach fluttering. Behind him, Penny follows, smiling when she finds me.

"Let's do this."

I lead her to the door where her father is waiting. The music begins and the bridesmaids begin their steady walk down the aisle, one by one, until it's my turn. My heart hammers against my ribcage as I take the first step forward, balancing on my heels and clutching the bouquet tighter.

Scanning the church, I do my best to focus on anything other than Kyle. Ranunculus was the right choice, it seems. Their scent perfumes the space, following me down the carpet, adorning the end of each pew. But as I draw closer to the front, I see Kyle and my pulse quickens and palms become sweaty. He stands beside Chase, who's straining to see past me, but Kyle locks eyes with me.

My stomach flips and heat rushes through my entire body, recalling everything in vivid detail - his soft lips pressing against mine, his warm hands tracing the curve of my waist, the way he murmured my name like a prayer. The heat of that night—the way his body pressed against mine, how he gasped as I pulled him closer, desperate to feel him—it all comes flooding back. My cheeks flame and something low in my stomach vibrates impulsively, wanting to satisfy its craving.

I look away, trying to focus on anything to still the gnawing beast inside. This is definitely not the time or place for these feelings to surface. Finally, I make it to the end and take my place beside the spot where Penny will stand. But I can't help but glance over at him again. His expression is unreadable, but his jaw tenses in response.

The music shifts, loud and bold. Penny appears at the end of the aisle with her arm looped through her father's. She's the most beautiful bride I've ever seen. All heads turn, locked on her.

I glance at Chase, who's completely enamoured. He watches her like she's the only person in the room. My eyes sting, threatening happy tears, but I blink them back, not wanting to test the accuracy of my waterproof mascara.

Two years ago, I was picking up the pieces of Penny's broken heart, hating Kyle for the way he walked away from her so easily. But now, as I watch Chase's unwavering devotion, I realise that heartbreak led her here—to this perfect moment.

With every word of the vows, the room becomes heavy with emotion.

Chase's voice is steady but full of feeling. "Penny, you're my greatest love, my partner, and my home. I promise to stand by you through every challenge, to celebrate every joy, and to love you fiercely, every single day of my life."

Penny's is just as moving, voice soft but unwavering. "Chase, you are my heart and my safe place. With you, I've found a love that feels like coming home. I promise to cherish you, to support you, and to choose you every day—for the rest of my life."

Their kiss is delicate and romantic, drawing a soft murmur from the crowd.

The ceremony ends in a flurry of confetti as they head back down the aisle, greeting their guests briefly before the photographer whisks them away for photos.

As Penny and Chase followed the photographer's directions, the bridal party observe from the sidelines. They strike various poses around the garden for the formal photos, but then let loose and have fun twirling in the snow, laughing and playing. The photographer captures every detail, from their beaming smiles to the snowflakes clinging to Penny's veil.

Up next is the bridal party. In our pale blue dresses, the bridesmaids and I line up against the winter backdrop. As the groomsmen prepare to join, Kyle takes his place next to me. His proximity is both alluring and disquieting.

"You good?" he asks, voice low and close to my ear.

"Always," I say, but my voice sounds strained and unconvincing.

The photographer directs us to move closer, and Kyle's arm slides around my waist. A ripple of warmth runs through me as his hand brushes mine, and I instinctively tilt towards him.

"You're tense," he murmurs. His warm breath brushes against my temple.

"I'm fine," I say, voice quivering ever so slightly.

The photographer asks us to get closer, and as I turn my head, I stare into his eyes, just inches away. He looks at me intensely, and everything else fades into the background.

The memory of that night surges forward again - the way his hands trembled, reverent as they explored my body; the way he whispered my name against my skin. It's too much, and yet not enough.

"Julia," he whispers, but I notice his voice catch in his throat.

The camera clicks a few times, capturing the moment.

"You two look amazing," the photographer beams. "So natural, so in love."

"We're not—" I start, but the words dissolve.

Kyle stares at me for a beat longer, then averts his gaze. For a moment, I wish I could read his mind, to see how he feels about all of this. But I dare not ask.

With the photos finished, the wedding party heads to the reception. The car is quiet, each of us burdened by unspoken things.

Every glance, every touch is a dangerous spark,and I can't decide if I should run from the fire—or surrender to its blaze.